Coastal vegetational communities of the two Texas barrier islands, Boca Chica and Brazos

Authors

Baltazar Cisneros, Pan American University

Date of Award

8-1974

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. Robert I. Lonard

Second Advisor

Dr. Terry C. Allison

Third Advisor

Dr. W. S. Way

Abstract

Two Texas barrier islands, Boca Chica and Brazos, have unique coastal vegetational communities that may be Influenced by several environmental factors. These environmental factors include temperature, precipitation, wind speed, sunshine exposure, day length, and dune height. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the total number of coastal plant species per station, season, and year and to consider environmental factors that may significantly affect the number and pattern of coastal species. Coverage comparison between aerial and land sampling and aerial vegetational zonation was also considered.

Results indicated the presence of 21 angiosperm families and a total of 54 species. The Compositae, Gramineas, and Leguminosae families were represented by the greatest number of taxa. Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash var. Littoralis (Nash) Gould, Paspalum monostachyum Vasey, and Unlola paniculate L. were the most dominant species encountered. Seasonal differences of two climatological factors, precipitation and average wind speed, affected 6 of the 12 dominant coastal species.

Comments

Copyright 1974 Baltazar Cisneros. All Rights Reserved.

Granting Institution

Pan American University